Airline Affairs

French Spend Up Big In Australia

Despite heated political debate between France and Australia following the resumption of nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific, arrivals of French nationals in Australia for holidays are continuing to increase, reports Danielle Doney. A study by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has found that visitors from France are also the highest spending group. Though Asians continue to comprise 80% of all inbound tourists, the French spend an average of $1620 per stay compared with $810 for Asian travellers and $610 for the British. Inbound tour operators, who were the source of the ABS data, arranged holidays for 1.5 million visitors during 1994/95, nearly 70% of the total 2.163 million tourists who entered Australia.

Australian Domestic Air Traffic Rebounds

After a fairly quiet June quarter domestic air traffic has rebounded with a record September quarter. Compared with the previous September quarter, passenger uplift was up 5.1% to 2,115,000 and RPKs increased by a healthy 7.2%. Load factors, which had gone soft through much of 1993 and the first half of ’94 rebounded to an average of 74.6% as much of the capacity increases of the previous year had been absorbed. Qantas continues to comfortably lead Ansett, carrying more passengers further using fewer flights and at a higher average load factor. AA Comment: As usual, the delivery of this crucial data from the DoT’s Avstats unit is running months late. This is not the fault of the Avstats people, who we have always found to be a dedicated group trying to do their best often under adverse circumstances. The problem lies in that there is always one or other of the airlines which doesn’t contribute its data in shall we say, the spirit of the occasion, with the result that there is very little official accountability on it to perform. Both airlines are or have been guilty of this and until we get an aviation minister who is willing to do something about this mess nothing will improve. The data table on this page should have been in our November edition last year and this issue by all rights should have been carrying the December quarter data. We live in hope!

American Training Under Review

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun a review of American Airlines’ and its regional affiliates’ training and operating procedures following the crash of one of the airline’s Boeing 757s in Colombia last December. The crash claimed 163 lives and was the second American Airlines incident within a month, the previous one involving an MD-83 at Windsor Locks, Connecticut, in which an emergency landing was made after the aircraft clipped trees on the approach. Two American Eagle aircraft (an ATR 72 and a Jetstream 31) crashed in late 1994 with the loss of 83 lives. The Colombia crash occurred when the 757 was on approach to Cali’s Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport, the aircraft hitting a mountain 33nm (61km) from the airport. The cockpit voice recorder revealed some serious concerns, notably that the pilots apparently did not perform the required descent checklists or any approach/arrival procedures briefing. Additionally, it appears the pilots may have been confused about navigational aids during the approach and might have botched an escape manoeuvre as the 757 approached the mountain.

Emirates To Australia

Emirates, the airline of the United Arab Emirates, has been granted traffic rights to fly to Australia. The airline will conduct three weekly flights between Dubai and Australia with Melbourne nominated as one of the two Australian points to be served. The second is still to be named and Emirates will be able to operate any aircraft type on the services. Starting date for the services will be announced as soon as routing details are sorted out. The airline plans to use the Boeing 777 on the Dubai/Australia service, the first of which is scheduled for delivery this month.

Additional Air Pacific Flights

Fiji’s international airline, Air Pacific, has introduced its planned second Nadi/Los Angeles service and two additional Sydney/Nadi flights each week, bringing the total to 13. Under an agreement reached by Air Pacific and Qantas in June last year, Qantas will buy seats on Air Pacific flights out of Australia and on the Los Angeles service, the Australian operator also offering a direct weekly service from Melbourne to Nadi. Air Pacific began operating a Nadi/Los Angeles service in mid-1994 and the airline regards the new service as important because it boosts opportunities to acquire connections to the important United Kingdom and European markets. Overall capacity on the Australia/Pacific-Los Angeles routes has increased in recent times to meet demand and they are now profitable although yields are still mediocre. It was consistent losses which forced Northwest and Continental from Pacific services, but available capacity is now greater than it was when those airlines were operating in the area. United flies out of both Los Angeles and San Francisco to Sydney daily and also daily between LA and Auckland/Melbourne; Qantas operates LA/Sydney twice daily and LA/Auckland/Melbourne five times a week; while Air New Zealand has eight nonstop LA/Auckland flights per week with connections to Australian capital cities, plus five nonstop LA/Sydney flights each week.

Qantas Us Fare Cuts

Qantas started a price war with Air New Zealand and United Airlines in January this year by cutting fares from the US west coast to Australia and New Zealand by nearly 30%. Available for travel only from the USA in the April/May period and on sale for just two weeks, the special economy class return fare of $US798 from Los Angeles and San Francisco applied to flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. The usual return fare is $US1098. A return fare to Auckland was available for $US698 with a trans-Tasman add-on costing a further $US199. The idea was to stimulate traffic on the routes during a slow period when traditional holiday destinations such as Europe, the UK and the Caribbean are popular with American travellers. Qantas has no plans to offer similar discounts from Australia to the USA.

Airlines’ Big Year

The world’s airlines carried a record 1.29 billion passengers and over 20 million tonnes of freight in 1995 according to preliminary estimates released by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). In terms of tonne-kilometres performed (a combined measure of passenger, freight and mail traffic) total scheduled traffic carried by the airlines of ICAO’s 184 member states rose by 7% over 1994. International traffic was up by 8% and domestic traffic by 5% on the same basis. Capacity increases were kept reasonably well in check for the second year in succession (rising by 6%) while the average passenger load factor rose slightly on international services to 68% and remained steady on domestic services. Overall load factor was just under 67%. Once again, freight traffic growth was greater than passenger traffic with a tonne-kilometre increase of 10%.

Freedom Air Expands

Air New Zealand/Mount Cook charter subsidiary Freedom Air International has announced plans to substantially expand its trans-Tasman services with the introduction of flights between New Zealand and Coolangatta. The new services mean there will now be six direct flights a week between the Gold Coast port and Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton. The operator will continue its weekly service between Brisbane, Christchurch and Dunedin. Freedom Air operates a single class, 235 seat Boeing 757.

Mandatory Air Travel Insurance

Mandatory insurance for airline operators and no-fault payouts by their insurers have come into place following a legislative amendment to the Civil Aviation (Carriers’ Liability) Act. The legislation requires domestic operators to carry insurance cover of $A500,000 per passenger. International operators flying to Australia are required to have similar cover and the no-fault provision means that insurance companies can no longer avoid claims on the basis that the operator failed to meet safety requirements. All operators covered by the legislation will need a certificate from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in order to be able to carry fare-paying passengers. Operators who conduct fare-paying services without an appropriate certificate could face criminal charges and CASA may also apply to the Federal Court for an injunction to prevent such operations. The new rules came into effect in late January.

China Airlines Flight Operations In A Mess

Battling a succession of serious misadventures, the Taiwanese Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) took the unprecedented step of ordering the national carrier to limit its flight operations for two weeks in January, to allow the airline to conduct further flight training for its pilots. The airline suffered five incidents caused by human error in the 12 months to December, reports Danielle Doney. The recent handing down of a report detailing human error as the cause of the 747-400 accident at Kai Tak in 1993 fuelled the CAA’s punishment of China Airlines in its January precedent. On December 11, a 747 landing at Manila Airport struck a truck soon after landing. The following day the same aircraft veered off the runway and became stuck in mud after the crew attempted a takeoff with only three engines operating. The dramas effectively closed Manila Airport for two and a half days.

Qantas Denies Raaf Bias

Qantas has strongly denied allegations published in the Canberra Times newspaper that it discriminates against RAAF pilots applying for aircrew positions with the airline. The report said that RAAF fighter pilots have accused the Federal Government of making a deal with Qantas and others to prevent Air Force pilots from joining the airlines in an attempt to stem the heavy resignation rate. About 70 RAAF pilots are expected to resign this year. Captain Ray Heiniger, Qantas’ Group General manager and Chief Pilot responded to the Canberra Times accusations by letter, saying: The Qantas aircrew selection process is designed to select the most suitably qualified applicants from the thousands who apply from general aviation, airline and military backgrounds. Contrary to some reports, Qantas has, over the years, recruited a significant number of aircrew from the Air Force. In the 12 months to January 5, 1996, Qantas recruited 35 ex-military pilots among 138 external recruits from general aviation, other airlines and the military. The company will continue to recruit the best available aircrew from all sources. Furthermore, as Qantas is an equal opportunity employer, it would not reject any application based on current employment as alleged.

Extra Mas Darwin Flight

Malaysia Airlines will begin operating a second weekly Airbus A330 between Kuala Lumpur and Darwin from next month. The airline has also been granted stopover rights for both services, giving inbound tourists the option of either a three, four or seven night stopover in the Northern Territory. The new flight will operate Adelaide/Darwin/Kuala Lumpur on Tuesdays while the existing Friday service flies Cairns/Darwin/Kuala Lumpur. The new service connects with the airline’s nonstop Boeing 747-400 flight from KL to London as well as flights to other ports in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and South Africa.

Qantas & American Expand Codeshare

Qantas and American Airlines have decided to extend their codeshare operations in the USA with new services from Los Angeles to Dallas Fort Worth and Miami. The new flights are operated each week and connect with QF services from Sydney and Melbourne. Qantas says the new services will be attractive to business travellers who will enjoy the convenience of a choice of departures and fast connections. Miami will provide Qantas greater access to South America, while the Florida city also serves as a major gateway for cruise lines and destinations in the Caribbean. Qantas entered into a codesharing agreement with American in 1989 and the new flights are in addition to the services already provided to New York, Washington DC, Boston and Chicago.

Klm Takes Kenya Airways Stake

KLM Dutch Airlines has significantly enhanced its access to key African ports by taking a $US23 million stake in Kenya Airways, reports Danielle Doney. The 26% Dutch shareholding marks a major step in the Kenyan Government’s three-year privatisation and restructuring programme. The deal will also provide Kenya Airways with vital access to key destinations in the United States, Asia and the Pacific. A further $3 million investment by KLM will provide Kenya Airways with technical modernization and personnel training. Last year Kenya Airways recorded a $US17 million profit, seen as a vital step towards public listing.

A Better Cuppa

For those of us who have balked at the thought of a cup of usually much too strong and generally horrible airline coffee, salvation is at hand! For the first time, cappuccino and fresh toast will be offered courtesy of British Airways and some new technology. Apparently, until now it has been next to impossible to make the superheated milk froth characteristic of cappuccino at high altitude, but UK company Aerolux has come up with the necessary technology. Fresh toast has always been a problem too, largely due to the threat of fire, but a new design toaster has eliminated that impediment. BA tested the toast and cappuccino last year on flights carrying The Queen and British Prime Minister John Major, both of whom reportedly gave it the thumbs up. First class passengers will be the first to benefit from this major breakthrough and if success is achieved, business and economy class will also get it by the end of the year.

Increasing Airline Profits Predicted

The US Air Transport Association’s (ATA) end of year report has predicted that US scheduled airlines will between them record a net profit of $US2.2bn for 1995. According to the ATA, the carriers earned that figure in the first three quarters of the year and a breakeven result is expected for the October-December quarter. The US airline industry is therefore expected to record its first annual profit since 1989 due to the improving economy, greater efficiency, higher fares and lower fuel costs. Between 1989 and 1994 the airlines between them lost a staggering $US13bn. The airlines employed 542,500 people at the end of the year, about 700 fewer than 12 months previously. Before that, the industry slump saw over 120,000 employees lose their jobs between 1990 and 1994. ATA member airlines operated 4611 jet aircraft at the close of 1995, 161 more than the previous year. The industry also had more than $US26bn worth of new aircraft on order despite cancellations or delivery delays which affected hundreds of orders.

Cathay Aborts Simulator Plan

Cathay Pacific has abandoned plans to move its $110m flight simulator centre from Hong Kong to Sydney, deciding to establish the facility in a new location at home. The simulators are currently at Kai Tak Airport which will close when the new Chek Lap Kok Airport opens in 1998. According to the airline, recent offers of land in Hong Kong and a productivity deal with flightcrew have made it cost-effective to keep the simulators in Hong Kong. Land costs were a major concern when deciding where to locate the flight training centre after Kai Tak closes. Due to the land offer, the costs no longer outweigh those of training crews offshore. The news should come as no surprise, considering Cathay also recently announced a massive new $675m corporate headquarters at Chek Lap Kok. Cathay recently opened a $250m global computer centre in Sydney and the airline has said Australia remains a preferred location for any future transfer of facilities out of Hong Kong.

Vietnam Airlines Rides The Tide

Experiencing average annual growth of up to 40%, Vietnam Airlines is preparing for another major expansion and modernization programme. Traffic through Hanoi is expected to increase to 2.2 million in the next two years, while Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is expected to cater for around 10 million a year by 2000, reports Danielle Doney. A two-year arrangement with Air France for the wet lease of seven A320s and the training of VN pilots concludes in June this year. Vietnam Airlines pilots will subsequently be used to crew 10 new A320s which have been dry leased from RegionAir of Singapore. The delivery of the aircraft is part of an existing programme to replace all the ex-Soviet type aircraft used on domestic services and to surrounding nations in southeast Asia. Five ATR72s and two Fokker 70s have already been delivered for internal services. With increasing competition from 22 foreign airlines as a result of the Government’s open-door policy introduced in the late 80s, VN will be driven to update equipment used to its 19 international destinations or suffer reduced market share. It intends to lease three 767-300s from General Electric during the first half of 1996, and is evaluating A340s for long haul operations. Last year the state-owned airline carried 2.3 million passengers, an increase of over 1.3 million over the past four years.

Qantas Now Only 47.5% Foreign

Foreign ownership of Qantas fell to 47.5% in January, down from the peak of 52% reached at the time of the airline’s public listing last July. The government-sanctioned foreign ownership limit is 49%, the reduction resulting from normal trading. The airline’s shares were trading at around $2.20-$2.25 in late January though dipped to as low as 2.15 on February 1 on the announcement from brokers J B Were that they had downgraded Qantas’ prospective earnings. Were estimated that the 95/96 profit would be $240m instead of $250m though this was still ahead of the prospectus forecast of $237m. Qantas will report its interim first half results on February 22.

Usair In The Black

Indicative of what should be a much better year for the US airline industry generally, USAir has recorded a major turnaround by recording an after-tax profit of $US119m in 1995. The result compares with a loss of $US685m in 1994 and results from a 7% increase in revenues to $US7.5bn and perhaps more importantly, a nearly 5% reduction in costs. The airline’s chief financial officer, John Harper, is nevertheless cautious about the future, saying: Our full potential, however, cannot be realised, nor our existence assured, if we do not achieve a competitive cost structure. The fact remains that for all the progress we’ve made, our unit labour costs are still among the highest in the industry.

Second Runway For Chek Lap Kok?

Development of the new Hong Kong Airport’s second runway has been provisionally ordered by the Airport Authority’s chairman, Mr Wong Po-yan, reports Danielle Doney. Although no commitment has yet been made by the Chinese Government to the demand, airlines and other airport users have applied pressure for the earlier scheduling of the runway to meet anticipated growth. Some analysts have suggested the 34 million passengers forecast to use the airport in its first year will bring the facility to saturation point on the day of opening in April 1998. A decision on the scheduling of construction is expected by the end of April when final passenger and freight forecasts are due.

Sleeping With A Virgin

Virgin Atlantic Airways is to evoke memories of the glorious past of air transport by introducing separate sleeping compartments in some of its aircraft. One of the airline’s Airbus A340-300s (due for delivery in 1997) will feature ten beds for the use of its Upper Class passengers travelling on long haul services, possibly including to Singapore and Sydney. The beds will be located in what is normally the A340’s forward cargo hold and comprise five sets of bunk beds in three separate cabins. They can be reached in flight via a spiral staircase from the main cabin deck. The idea — originally mooted by Airbus last year — represents the first time a genuine sleeping compartment has been offered on a jet airliner. Virgin has ordered seven A340s (of which four have already been delivered), a third Boeing 747-400 is due for delivery this June and an order for two more 747-400s is reportedly imminent. The airline also has options on the Boeing 777.

Ansett To Korea

Ansett International is scheduled to start services to South Korea this July, more than two years after it was first awarded capacity rights to do so. The delay results from the airline’s desire to expand its international services gradually due to the limited resources at its disposal, stretched recently by the simultaneous launch of services to Taiwan and Kuala Lumpur last November. The airline is due to take delivery of its first Boeing 767-300 during the course of this issue which will be used to increase the frequency of flights from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur via Jakarta. The 767’s arrival will free up one of Ansett’s 747-300s which will then be put to work on the South Korean route.

Hazelton Boardroom Battle

A tense boardroom battle has developed between the founder of leading regional operator Hazelton Airlines and its four independent directors, the prize being ultimate control of the company. In a nutshell, Max Hazelton wants to remove all the independent directors including chairman Sir Brian Massey Greene and establish a new board comprising himself and five others with his wife Laurel acting as an alternate director. Hazelton Airlines became a public company in late 1993 and after recording a $2.35m loss (after extraordinaries) in 1994/95, Mr and Mrs Hazelton — who had managed the company for more than 40 years — were relegated to non-executive roles. Mr Hazelton remains the airline’s major shareholder with 33.1% of the stock. Mr Hazelton says that a change is necessary to ensure the airline’s future: I have never seen morale among our staff reach such a low level. Resignations of our key employees are continuing and, if this is not corrected immediately, it will have a serious effect on the continued performance. Restructuring of the airline has seen the number of employees drop, including a reduction in pilot numbers from 109 to 85. Meanwhile, the four independent directors have been scathing in their criticism of Mr Hazelton and his plans, a letter sent to all shareholders saying that after a promising start as a public business in 1993, a poorly managed expansion of the business in late 1994 and early 1995 occurred while Mr Hazelton was chief executive officer; this turnaround could not have occurred while Mr Hazelton had day-to-day management of control of the business; and Mr Hazelton is seeking to re-establish his style of management control that in the recent past has destabilised the company, caused significant staff morale issues, been largely responsible for the losses incurred in 1994/95, and which is absolutely inappropriate for a public company. An extraordinary shareholders’ meeting was due to take place as this issue went to press, where Mr Hazelton’s proposals will be considered and voted upon. Hazelton Airlines released its financial results for the six months to December 31 1995 in January, two months earlier than scheduled so the figures would be available in time for the shareholders’ meeting. They show a pre-tax profit of $1.05m ($647,000 net) for the period compared with a $1.828m profit in the same period of 1994 and an operating loss of $1.67m (before abnormals) in the six months to June 1995. Revenue of $29.6m was 9.7% up on the same period of the previous year and the number of passengers carried increased to 199,000 from 190,000. The release of the half-year figures caused considerable share activity, with some 240,000 shares changing hands on one day. The activity resulted in a slight increase in the share prices.

Nan Very Noisy

The No Aircraft Noise party will field candidates in four House of Representative seats around Sydney Airport and run a full Senate team. Although the party is unlikely to have a significant effect on things in its own right, its preferences could be crucial and could result in parties such as the Greens or Democrats holding an influence far greater than their relatively small voting base should allow. Despite appearances, the NAN has denied it’s a single issue party, claiming its platform includes other issues like environmental protection, community consultation and honesty in government. The principal NAN policy though is the complete closure of Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport.

Melbourne Upgrade

The upgrading of Melbourne Airport continues with Qantas and the Federal Airports Corporation planning to spend $140m between them on the domestic terminal. Upgrading of the international terminal has recently been completed. Work on the project will start this April and is expected to take about 18 months to complete. The upgrade includes lengthening the terminal by about 200 metres, constructing a second tarmac finger which will increase the number of gates from 12 to 16, increasing the number of check-in counters from 16 to 30, improving baggage handling facilities, increasing the number of retail outlets and building new Qantas Club lounge facilities. Construction of the airport’s new $52m short-term car park has meanwhile begun, the four-level, 3500-car capacity building scheduled to be completed late next year.

Ansett Bases Reservations In Tassie

Ansett is to establish a new reservations centre in Launceston following the offering of substantial concessions by the Tasmanian Government. Several states wanted the centre — which will create 100 new jobs — but Tasmania was successful after it offered relief from payroll tax for each new employee for three years, use of dedicated Tasmanian Government communications lines at off-peak times, assistance in transporting equipment to Tasmania and other incentives. The Government will build the $3.5m centre and lease it back to Ansett. Ansett has also introduced a new centralised reservations service for deaf people. By using a toll-free phone number and their TTY sets, the deaf will be able to communicate with especially trained Ansett staff.

Indonesia Opens The Doors

The Indonesian Government has given approval for four airlines to commence scheduled services to Jakarta and Bali, reports Danielle Doney. Jakarta will see the inauguration of services by Air Canada (from Vancouver), Uzbekistan Airlines (from Tashkent) and All Nippon Airways (ex-Tokyo). Australia’s National Jet Systems will commence flights from Broome in northwestern Australia to Bali using a recently delivered BAe 146-200. There are now 34 foreign carriers serving Indonesia.

Qantas Faces East

Qantas is set to make a nice little profit from carrying Indonesian Muslim pilgrims to Mecca in a series of Haj charter flights. The flights – to be conducted between March and May — will be undertaken by a Boeing 747-300 fitted with 480 economy class seats. Pilots and engineers for the flights will come from within Qantas’ ranks and cabin crews will be provided by Indonesia’s Garuda. Qantas originally won a tender to provide the flights between Halim Airport (Indonesia) and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) in 1994, did not bid last year and now has a three-year contract for the pilgrimage flights.

Non Originality Gets Even Better Dept

Singapore-based AA reader Michael Joyce wrote to us recently with an interesting addition to our Jan/Feb issue Recce item on Air New Zealand’s charter subsidiary Freedom Air’s copycat attempt to replicate the efforts of new entrant Kiwi Travel International. Michael writes: Having read your editorial I feel bound to comment because the lack of originality goes even deeper than you suggest! A family-owned airline by the name of Freedom Air has been in continuous and successful operation in the Marianas for over two decades. I had the pleasure of working with the real Freedom Air for a number of years. Though not large in fleet terms, Guam-based Freedom Air is very well known and has in its time seen many competitors arrive and subsequently perish. Their secret is honest, friendly and accommodating service to the people of the Marianas. Rather than a snub to the real Freedom Air I suggest the naming of the steamroller designed to squash the Kiwi was through a lack of knowledge of their home territory by the Pride of the Pacific.

Airports Update

Cairns: The Cairns Port Authority has announced a $17.7m profit for Cairns Airport in the 1994/95 financial year. Total aircraft movements increased by 16% to 90,000, while a healthy 9.8% increase in air freight movements was recorded. International air freight rose by 12% to 22,000 tonnes. Cairns’ continued rapid growth (international arrivals have increased by 30% per annum over the last five years) could see it rivalling Melbourne Airport within 15 years. The next phase of the airport’s expansion is now underway and should be completed by May next year.

Maroochydore: The Sunshine Coast Airport terminal is to be upgraded and enlarged by Maroochy Shire Council at a cost of $7m. The existing terminal will be transformed into a uniquely Sunshine Coast experience complete with wave-like covered walkways, a landscaped virtual jungle and inside water features! Stage two of the project involves two airline and two resort lounges and reflects not only the rapid growth in tourist traffic to the area but also the increasing trend for businesses to relocate to the region.

Williamtown: The federal opposition has said it will encourage Williamtown Airport at Newcastle NSW to take international charter flights if it comes to power so as to help ease the burden on Sydney Airport. Newcastle is regarded as being an ideal port for direct charters and such activities would be good for the local tourism industry. Other regional airports with suitable infrastructure will also be encouraged to take international charters.

Narromine: Narromine Council is planning to establish an aviation residential community at Narromine Airport and has called for expressions of interest from pilots and others who might consider purchasing a block of land and establishing a residential/hangar building, possibly with apron frontage. Narromine — 40km west of Dubbo in NSW — has a long aviation history dating back to 1915. A large training base operated at the airfield during WWII and it is nowadays well known for its gliding activities.

Latrobe Valley: Plans for the $480,000 upgrade of Latrobe Valley Airport at Traralgon, Victoria should be finalised by the time these words are read. The upgrade involves work on both the airport’s runway and its terminal.

Amberley: Arrangements to use RAAF Amberley for commercial use are reportedly well advanced, with discussions between the Ipswich Regional Development Corporation, the RAAF and the Commonwealth Government’s property arm proceeding. There has already been considerable interest shown by commercial operators and flights could begin next year. The first step is to finalise arrangements and leases with the RAAF and the Government before entering into any agreements with commercial operators.

Ayers Rock: The Ayers Rock Resort is to invest $20m in upgrading the nearby airport. Planned work involves extending the runway, which at 2000m can now accommodate only very lightly loaded Boeing 737s with sufficient fuel to get them to and from Alice Springs, just 215nm (400km) away. The resort itself is also undergoing a $31m refurbishment which will see 60 rooms added to the complex. The airport achieved a milestone on January 6 this year when aircraft were independently controlled from it for the first time. The tower finally began operations last December (13 months after its completion and the opening of Sydney’s third runway) but at that stage it was not fully operational and was only performing ghosting operations to the old tower.

Avalon: A $3m upgrade of Avalon Airport’s runway is to be funded by the Federal Government as part of the campaign to sell it. The restoration work on the 3000m runway is expected to boost the airport’s sales value, although it was overdue for some work anyway. The existing surface is being removed and new bitumen laid on top to create an anti-skid, flexible pavement. Geelong local interests have made representation to the Federal Government with a view to improving Avalon Airport’s facilities and to help secure private sector investment. The airport is being promoted as a potentially major international air freight centre. Lockheed Martin is reportedly close to agreeing to establish a maintenance centre at Avalon.

Warnervale: A private university to be built on the NSW central coast will include an aerodrome, presumably based around the existing strip. The $200m Future Generations University is a joint venture between Japanese and US interests and will have a student capacity of 7000. Among its other planned features are a guest hotel, golf course, housing estate and a Zen meditation centre. There are grandiose plans for the aerodrome itself, including developing it as a freight hub with Boeing 747 capability.

Essendon: A decision by Transport Minister Laurie Brereton to restrict new leases at Essendon Airport to renewable 12-month contracts has angered the airport’s chamber of commerce. Previous leases were up to 25 years and the move is seen by the chamber of commerce as discouraging investment on the site, further clouding its future and as discrimination against aviation-related businesses. The Government claims the decision is not a reflection of plans to close the airport.

Townsville: Domestic traffic at Townsville increased by 6% to 36,859 passengers in September 1995 compared with the previous month. Average domestic load factors also increased, from 71% to 76%. Overall, the Brisbane/Townsville route was the country’s 16th busiest.

Parkes: Support for the establishment of an international freight terminal for the export of local high-value produce at Parkes continues to grow with the NSW Farmers’ Association welcoming a NSW Government decision to conduct an environmental impact study on the site. The responsible minister, Michael Egan, has described the proposed airport as one of the best ideas put to him and it also has the support of the federal opposition.

Perth: Approval for the planned business park at Perth Airport could be delayed thanks to the possible presence of a tiny, rare tortoise. The western swamp tortoise is only 10cm (4in) long and just 150 are known to exist. One was spotted near the airport 25 years ago, prompting a survey of the area which could take a number of years to complete. No further evidence of the tortoise’s existence on the airport has been forthcoming.

Sydney: The Federal Airports Corporation (FAC) received 49,000 complaints about aircraft noise in the first year of the third runway’s operation. The runway opened in November 1994 and during the week that followed, the FAC’s noise complaints unit was receiving an average 35 calls per day compared with about five per day beforehand.

Parafield: Adelaide’s general aviation airport is to get an $8.5m research centre to study environmental issues. To be used by the CSIRO, Bureau of Meteorology and various government and industry bodies, the centre will examine land degradation and land management practices, general environmental monitoring over Australia’s major population centres, greenhouse gas emissions, local, regional and global climatic patterns, clouds and precipitation, meteorological hazard forecasts and will participate in international airborne research programmes.

Cunderdin: Plans by Indonesian-based company Taruma Australia to lease the WA airfield as a flying school have raised fears that some historic WWII buildings on the site will be demolished. The RAAF Aviation Heritage Museum has asked the WA Heritage Council and the National Trust to investigate Taruma’s proposal and to classify the airfield and buildings as a heritage site.

Moorabbin: An increase in the number of seagulls under the airport’s main approach route is causing concern and it is apparently because the birds are attracted to the artificial lakes on a golf course under the flightpath. Moorabbin records about half a dozen bird strikes each year with no serious damage or injuries resulting from them so far.

Merredin: The WA airfield has been purchased by a Chinese company to establish a large flying training base. China Southern West Australian Flying College Pty Ltd (which is 65% owned by China Southern Airlines) will spend up to $10m sealing the two existing runways, building two more and setting up the necessary infrastructure for the college. It is hoped that other flying schools can be attracted to the airfield. Using Grob G 115 trainers, the college will eventually have 150 students in residence and a fleet of about 30 aircraft.

Wagga: Wagga Council has approved Kendell Airlines’ plans to build a new $1m hangar at the airport. The 1430 square metre hangar will be used to expand Kendell’s maintenance facilities and will include two storeys of workshops and offices.

Brisbane: The Westfield group has joined a consortium which is shortlisted to build an $80m rail link between Brisbane Airport and the city’s central business district. The Airtrain Citylink consortium (which includes the Macquarie Bank among its members) says the proposed railway’s carriages will be designed to cater for airline travellers with provision for carrying luggage and video screens displaying flight schedules and tourist information. It is hoped to have the train in service by 1999 so as to take advantage of any tourism spinoff from the Sydney 2000 Olympics.